The etymology of words is important as it reveals unconscious understandings. Prince means the ‘the one who takes first’, enterpreneurs are ‘those who take in between’. Does the concept of ‘social enterpreneurship’ then mean: one that takes in between for the social, or ‘one that takes in between from the social’?

Changing the language we use is extremely difficult because adoption is largely an organic process. But it may be worth trying!

Here are two examples of alternative propositions:

* The concept of Benepreneur was recently proposed by Layne Hartsell:

“Benepreneur (n) – is an individual who organizes and operates projects such as a business, NGO or other, taking on risk to do so as a for-benefit endeavor. [cross reference: social, global justice]

Bene – etymology: Latin: good, bonus. Old English: request, petition

preneur – etymology: Latin: prendre. ‘one who takes..’

meaning: one who takes risk for the benefit of society ; essential meaning: innovators.”